Coatesville firefighters this evening responded to a trash fire in the 500 block of Coates street that was described as being intentionally set. However, officials are being cautious about saying whether it is part of a string of arsons terrorizing residents.

Fire officials said the fire was extinguished by by the time firefighters arrived. "They doused it with a fire extinguisher," said one official.

City Police Chief William Matthews said at Monday night's council meeting that trash has been used to start most all of the 30 fires.

Today city firefighters were on Chestnut Street advising residents with trash on or near their porches to remove it or face a citation.

The city has been in a state of emergency since Sunday morning, following the arson-related fire that swept through 15 row homes on Fleetwood Street. Anyone noticing suspicious behavior are urged to call 610-636-0514.